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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

On March 3, Saturday, 1-6pm at The Maya Kitchen, Heritage Hotel Manila Executive Chef Alex Chong brings you on an Asian Culinary Journey as he demonstrates well-loved regional cuisine like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Laksa plus Grilled Prawns with Healthy Coriander Curry Sauce and Carabao Mango Mint Salad along with Nyonya Chicken Soup and Pork Dumpling and popular Malaysian dessert Onde Onde. Heritage Hotel Manila is part of the Milleneum Hotels and Resorts Group and is one of the few places in Metro Manila that offers Halal certified cuisine.

Certificate courses with hands-on are now offered both on weekdays (Tuesday-Friday) and weekends (Saturday) with the following schedules: Advanced Pastry Class, February 29, March 1 and 2, 9am-3pm; Basic Culinary, weekdays, March 6-9 and March 20-23, 9am-3pm; and weekends, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 8:30am-1:30pm; Fundamentals of Bakery Production, weekdays, March 13-16 and March 27-30, 9am-2pm and weekends, March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2-6pm; Basic Cake Decorating March 30-31, 9am-4pm.

Enroll now and get early bird discounts for the upcoming Junior Culinary and Teen Workshops scheduled on April 10-13 and May 8-11 and April 17-20 and May15-18.

For more information on other courses offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

A new book that is guaranteed to delight both the serious cook and the kitchen novice alike is up for grabs in National Bookstore, Powerbooks and Bestsellers branches, published by Anvil Publishing.

The Maya Kitchen Journal for Cooks and Foodies is a compilation of more than 180 recipes for all occasions, tried and tested by The Maya Culinary Kitchen. The over 400-page book is divided into the 12 months of the year with each page containing a recipe and a blank space for notes and reminders. The recipe selection is a merry mix of appetizers, main courses, desserts and snacks of local and international cousine. Tips and secrets are also sprinkled in every page.

The reader is also in for a cultural treat as the book includes famous and little known festivals at the beginning of each monthly section. For more information, log on to The Maya Kitchen or e-mail: contactus@themayakitchen.com or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

On our way back to station two, we passed by Jonah's Fruit Shake and Snack Bar near the most photographed grotto. Jonah's is also popular among netizens for it's frothy fruit and milk shakes. So I tried, I asked what was their bestseller, the crew suggested their Tropical Shake.

They have a long list of different fruit combinations and different option. I requested to pour more milk on it. It was creamy and tasted different from other shakes I had had on the island.

A Boracay babe said online, "your trip to Boracay won't be complete if you won't try Jonah's shakes"....and I second the motion!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Although we had hoped for a good weather, days before our arrival in the fabulous island of Boracay, the sky disagreed. We had no choice but to stay on the island. After a refreshing breakfast at Nigi Nigi's beach front restaurant, we strolled the island from coast to coast. Checking out what activities might interest us out of the thousands things to do in the paradise island, we've decided to get a non permanent, henna tattoo.

We continued strolling afterwards. We reached station three around noon and continued walking.....passed the famous grotto, we found Friday's at the end of the coastline. Friday's is one of the highly recommended restaurants to dine in Boracay from the netizens and bloggers.

Fresh Fruit Shake, Php 185 ++

From my list, Friday's is well known for its "Famous Friday's Night Buffet". The buffet is serve three times in a week from Monday, serving traditional Filipino buffet, Wednesday, Viva Italiana Buffet and Friday, catering BBQ and Grill Buffet.

The restaurant has a great ambiance. Majority of restaurants in Bora are offering dine-by-the-beach-while-the-sun-sets but Friday's beach front is different among others because it is perfectly positioned on Boracay's eye-catching White Beach. Plus, it offers delectable cuisine.

Cafe Latte Php 105.00

Since it was lunch time, we weren't able to try their famous dinner buffet nor try a heavy rice meal because we were still full from the big breakfast we had earlier that day. We settled to have a light lunch. I had Fresh Fruit Shake, Josh had Cafe Latte, and Carlo had Fresh Juice while waiting for our order. We've talked about larry metz and his accomplishments, Metz is married to Mariko Metz of Okinawa, Japan and together they have two daughters, Marla and Christina. Some political platforms of Metz’s campaign included the capping of government spending, stricter laws enforcing illegal immigrants, property insurance reform, Medicaid reform, and protecting gun-ownership rights.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Severe headache caused by that Pacquaio's Punch last night out woke me up. We were saddened by the gloomy weather but it doesn't stop us to have fun. Should I be at home, I would stay on my bed all day long to cure the painful hangover.

But we're in Boracay baby! ...and we only have 3 days limited time to explore the paradise island.

Carlo urged us to move fast so we could have breakfast to start the day and so we could talk about what to do on our first day. As I've told you
before we don't have itinerary for this trip. Out of the many things to
do in Boracay, we have several in mind. Clearly, the gray weather won't allow us to go island hopping on that day.

Breakfast was inclusive to our accommodation at the Nigi Nigi's Beach Resort. Nu Nu Noos beachfront restaurant and sunset beach bar is the mingling point for foreign residents and vacationers where our first breakfast was served. In the evening the sports bar transforms to become a part of the vibrant Boracay nightlife.

A wide selection of Filipino, American, and English breakfasts were
available from the menu. All egg breakfast dishes were offered with
"eat-all-eggs-you-can" in any style. Customers and guests could request
from fried, sunny side up, boiled, with cheese, with tomatoes, with
mushrooms to poached eggs.

Our extra large plates were served complete with potato omelet and a slice of watermelon. The free breakfast also includes brewed coffee. While waiting, I gulped two cups! My hangover was gone when the caffeine kicked in.

Additional orange juice and toasted bread with butter and marmalade
spreads was also served but Carlo didnt like the "in-can" taste of the
Orange Juice as he was expecting a refreshing fresh juice.

I enjoyed my breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal they say. For me, breakfast also set the mood of your day. And yes! we had a great day!

Walking along White Beach, we passed by a large native style bar, Club Summer Place. We all felt the vibrant and cheerful atmosphere overflowed from the vicinity. We agreed to get the party started at the cool Club Summer Place...

Located in boat station 2, the bar attracts friendly crowd of tourists, expats and locals. It is regarded as one of the finest nightspots on the beautiful island.

Trendy and hip, DJ's are great in keeping the place going with the latest house and trance music that encouraged many to dance.

Facing the Philippines famous beach, tables to one side and a stage to another mean plenty of spaces for all party goers. The setting is perfect for dancing on the white and powdery sand on bare foot during full-moon nights wearing your favorite beach clothing.

With its loud and super nice choice of music, dancing is surely a very fun and entertaining thing to do in this bar. My friends, the powerful Carlo and Josh grooved their gear to the best beat on the dance floor...swayed on the beach....danced on the table...like its the end of the world!

The nightclub offers different kinds of great alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Most come here to drink beer, spirits, and cocktails. Snacks and irresistible appetizers are also served. We tried their House Specials, Php 200, all in!

I was curious about their best seller, Pacquaio's Punch. While waiting for the duo giggly dancing on the floor, I boozed it up. It was really a very strong drink, a legal high! but made of great mix. One cup is enough to get me pretty hammered. It knocks out my sanity, I could barely talk. I cant remember what exactly happened that night. One thing I'm sure of, we had a great time!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

We've unpacked our luggage after the warm welcome at Nigi Nigi feeling wasted, tired and super hungry after half day of traveling from Manila to Boracay caused by the delayed flight of Air Philippines and the longer-than-usual Air Philippines transfers from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan.

Without itinerary other than unlimited partying, we decided to check out the best places to satisfy our empty stomachs.

My list of must-try restaurants in Boracay gathered from different blogs suggests to regain our powers to achieve the promise of extreme fun on a seafood buffet.

Our first meal in the paradise island was spent at the premier Beach Café at the seafront of Le Soliel de Boracay.

Their Buffet was priced at P396 net per person plus unlimited iced tea. Dinner starts from 6:30PM to 10:00PM.

If you have been to Boracay, you know that this type of restaurants serving seafood buffets are scattered from station one to station three, serving same menu but with different presentation scent, texture and taste.

Judging from three days of flavorful journey in this famous island, Beach Café serves the best oysters.

I have no idea how the oysters were prepared but I'm sure it was not steamed. The texture was between cooked and raw.

I guess, they've just poured hot water on it not totally steaming it to bring out its ultimate flavor.

Monday, February 6, 2012

I went to Boracay with my BFFs Josh and Carlo to celebrate our 10th year of friendship. We known each other since Hotel Fleuris Palawan days back in 2002. We were fresh graduates from college back then. I was handling front office transactions, Carlo in accounting department and Josh as head of F & B department.

Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane rum), sugar (preferably white powdered sugar, or any other sugar, even honey) and lime. here they used calamansi to replace the lime. Cachaça is Brazil's most common distilled alcoholic beverage (also known as Pinga or Caninha). Both rum and cachaça are made from sugarcane-derived products. Specifically with cachaça, the alcohol results from the fermentation of sugarcane juice that is afterwards distilled.

Nigi Nigi knows how to please their guests. Unlike other establishments in Boracay that stick to one welcome drink (iced tea) they have wide array of welcome drinks to choose from. I didn't think that alcoholic beverages could be our welcome drinks! "A kick-off drink for your three days unlimited party!", the bartender said.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

The Old Spaghetti House
4th Level, The Block
SM City North EDSA
For reservations and deliveries call them at 921-9630.

Dear TOSH,

It has been some few vintage years ago when we met and eventually fell in love.....

.....your love never fades, never fails.

I feel it grows stronger in every visit.

Me too, my affection for you is always splendid every time.

In fact, my taste buds told me that I love you more today than yesterday...

Garden Salad with Candied Walnuts Single (Php 145) Sharing ( Php 275)

....your love is so pure and natural like this fresh tomatoes and crisp romaine leaves sprinkled with candied walnuts and ricotta cheese.

The balsamic-maple vinaigrette complements your love and mine....

Mocha Frost (Php 110.00)

You never leave me alone.

In every sip from a tall glass of chocolate-y Mocha Frost....you always keep me smiling.

I knew from the start that it is your gesture of million kisses and caresses.

Classic Lasagna (Php 165.00)

Every moment feels like the first.

This lasagna is meatier, creamier, and cheesier.

My cold heart melted when I had this, remember?

A Classic love that never change.

Please don't alter...

Stay, just the way you are.

Blueberry Cheesecake (Php 235.00

You are so beautiful....like this fluffy blueberry cheesecake.

Seductive.

Sexy.

Sweet but not so over.

Just the right amount of sweetness I need...

With each spoonful I take,

I got that feeling that I always adore...delight!

You are an expert in tickling my sensations.

We cant deny it...

from vintage memories,

I've discovered treasures in you.

Love,

Rome

---oo--O--oo---

The Old Spaghetti House is giving away Oreo Truffles for all dating Couples this ♥'s Day!!!

Mechanics:
1. The promo is exclusive to dating couples only.
2. Couple can avail of the promo for a minimum
order worth Five Hundred Pesos (Php500).
3. Valid for single receipt purchases only. Breaking
or splitting of bills to avail of additional truffles
will not be allowed.
4. Valid for dine-in orders only.
5. Promo runs from February 13,2012 until
February 19, 2012 only.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

I guess it was a good omen to start living healthy when I was invited to join a lecture from The Maya Kitchen about the basis of the Healing Diet. The discussion was presented by the mother-and-son tandem of Blecenda Miranda Varona, DRPH, MPH, RND and Mark Miranda Varona, RND.

The highlight of the event was on the “Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Cancer, Stroke and Arthritis through Dietary Modifications.” Focusing on how the wise choice of food and its right preparation can bring anyone optimum health.

Broccoli and Tofu Omellete

An important part of the talk is a cooking and food preparation demonstration that includes Fruit Blend Detox, Malunggay Pancake, Basic Tofu Quiche, Eggplant Szechuan Style and Paco Salad.

•Cut eggplant into 2X1/2 inches.
•Separate 1 green onion and cut into thin slices. Reserve for garnish
•Cut remaining onion into thin slices and combine with garlic, ginger and hot bean sauce in bowl. Set aside
•Combine ½ cup water, soy sauce, calamansi extract, and sugar in another bowl. Set aside.
•Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
•Add haft of the eggplants and cook for 5 minutes. Stir until soft and moist. Drain in colander.

Of course, we also sampled the Maya Kitchen's signature Malunggay Pancake. What I've tasted was just superb. I've realized, putting Malunggay on a pancake does not tasted bitter at all as I've imagined.

The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center is located on the 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati. For more information, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com or call 8921185 or 892-5011 local 108.